Park Details
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Trails Illustrated Map2-Saguaro National Park
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The saguaro has been described as the monarch of the Sonoran Desert, as a prickly horror, as the
supreme symbol of the American Southwest, and as a plant with personality. It is renowed for the
variety of odd, all-too-human shapes it assumes, shapes that inspire wild and fanciful imaginings.
Giant saguaro cacti, unique to the Sonoran Desert, sometimes reach a height of 50 feet in this
cactus forest, which covers the valley floor, rising into the Rincon and West Tucson mountains.
Since 1933 this extrodinary giant cactus has been protected within Saguaro National Park.
Preserved along with it are many other members of the Sonoran Desert community--other cacti,
desert trees and shrubs, and animals. In lushness and variety of life the Sonoran Desert far
surpasses all other North American deserts
Park Details
Location Information
Location:
Tucson, Arizona
Directions:
Saguaro East, or the Rincon Mountain District, may be reached from Tucson by
traveling east on Broadway or Speedway to Freeman Road; turn right to Old Spanish Trail; turn
left. Look for signs to park entrance.
Saguaro West, or the Tucson Mountain District, may be reached from Tucson by traveling Speedway Road west. Speedway becomes Gates Pass Road; the road ends at Kinney Road where you turn right and continue to the park entrance.
Note: Saguaro East and West are each about 15 miles from downtown Tucson. Along Interstate 10, there are signs directing travelers to Saguaro National Park.
Operating Hours/Seasons
Both districts of the park (east and west) are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitor centers are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except Christmas.
Reservations/Permits/Fees
Fees, Costs, Rates:
The east district has a $4 entrance fee per private car. Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and
Golden Access Passports are honored and are available for purchase. The west district has no
entrance fee.
Climate, Recommended Clothing
Winters:
Delightful with mild warm days (60° - 70°F.) and cool nights
(40°F.).
Summers:
Can be extremely hot with daytime temperatures of 100-115° F. in
the shade, and evening lows in the 80°sF. Long hikes are not recommended in the summer.
Even short hikes require lots of water, a hat, and sun screen lotion.
Facilities and Opportunities
Both districts have staffed visitor centers and offer side shows, museums, cactus gardens, and a sales outlet.
Recommended Activities/Park Use
Start a park visit by stopping at the visitor center for maps, information, and suggestions. Most visitors enjoy the scenic drives, bird watching, photography, hiking, and participating in guided walks.
Visitation
Visitation:
2.9 million.
Basic Visit Reccomendations:
Plan to spend a couple hours to a full day exploring the park.
Special Events Programs
There are many special programs throughout the cooler months. Check at a visitor center for a detailed list.
Adjacent Visitor Attractions
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, adjacent to Saguaro West, is a high quality, non-profit, live animal museum. An excellent place to see the many residents of the Sonoran Desert up close.
Additional Information
For additional information write:
Saguaro National Park
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tuscon, AZ 85730-5601
or call (520) 733-5153.
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